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X-Dream Ice vs Mixed picks

Original Post
Max Forbes · · Colorado · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 108

I've got a set of X-dreams that currently have the mixed picks in them. They are going to get a lot of dry tooling abuse this winter, so with that in mind I'm going to scoop up a second set of picks to use exclusively on ice routes. The mixed picks are fantastic but I'm wondering if anyone has experience with the ice picks on the x-dreams. I can honestly say I don't I've ever seen anyone with a pair. I do like the idea of a hammer, but big question is, do they climb pure ice better than the mixed picks? Any feedback or experience is helpful.

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

I have trIed every X Dream combo made. I feel the Mixte picks with Petzl weights work the best for me. I put new Mixte picks on at the end of last year with no weights. I go through two sets of picks a year so I stripped the hex bolt that comes with the Petzl weights. No weights work well if the ice isn't hard and/or brittle.

Some people say the hammer is useful. I carry a third tool or take my All Mountains if I carry pitons on an alpine route that day.

Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118

The Ice picks are actually THICKER and MORE aggressively angled than the Mixte picks. It's counter-intuitive and the names Camp chose are kinda stupid in that respect. But the Mixte pick is generally understood to perform better on ice than the actual Ice pick, but that's based on convention. You should try it and find out for yourself... it's all based on preference.

Marty Theriault · · Quebec, QC · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 310

mixte pic for ice and alpine, Race pic for drytooling!

mtnmandan · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 5
Jon H wrote:The Ice picks are actually THICKER and MORE aggressively angled than the Mixte picks. It's counter-intuitive and the names Camp chose are kinda stupid in that respect.
I've been seeing this spouted about for a while now, but it's not accurate. The ice pick is more aggressive (more downward angle), but it's also thinner. I measured mine with calipers and it's about 0.2mm thinner than the Mixte at the first tooth.
Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118

I've never measured mine, but I'll do so now. The basis for claiming that the ice pick is thicker is directly from a Cassin catalog where they describe the picks.

Zach L · · Northern Vermont · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 10

any new info on this?

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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